No More P.E.???

A bill that would no longer make P.E. a requirement in schools

Physical Education would no longer be required in 6th-8th

NAPLES- The obesity rate is at an all time high among our kids. 1 in 3 is considered overweight. Now, some lawmakers want to pass a bill that would
no longer make physical education a requirement in middle schools in Florida.

For Gregg Cross, it's his job to get kids to move.

"Our goal is just to get them active whether it be four square or anything just to keep them moving for 40 minutes. That's our goal," said Cross.

Gregg's been teaching P.E. at Bonita Springs Middle School for nearly 32 years.
He's against the bill that would eliminate the physical fitness requirement for middle school students in grades 6th through 8th.

"We found that 10 percent of our kids are in organized sports that means 90 percent of our kids aren't getting any exercise for whatever reason," said Cross.

Opponents say eliminating the P.E. requirement would put overweight kids at risk for health problems like diabetes.

"Now the kids get home and there are so many distractions that they don't get out of the house," said Cross.

But those in favor say the time could be better used by allowing students to take another elective.
If this new bill passes, local school boards will still have the final say on how much P.E. time your kids get. Collier County
Superintendent and Board Member Pat Carroll support the bill.

"What we need is flexibility. The P.E. requirement for each student, each year, is not the best interest of each and every student. We need flexibility. P.E. will always be part of our curriculum," said Carroll.

Pat Carroll also points out the district does offer a sports program to middle school students after school.

Julie Salomone
Fox 4
[email protected]